History of the American Massage Therapy Association, 1943-1960 Ruth E Williams

196 ?

Early In tha year 1967, tha membership finally arrived at that coveted one
thousand mark. Tha National Officers held, a phone conference in leiu of the
mid-year Board Meeting, which proved very satisfactory. Experience should make
future ones oven more so* Many topics ware discussed that wore a help to the
decisions that had to be made to the forth coming convention in Philadelphia,

Arizona Chapter had a really organized and agressivo group of members working
toward the massage law that had just narrowly eluded them in the past few years*
The same efficient roster of officers wore still carrying the ball.

In California, the State General Meeting was held to Sacramento on February
18th and 19th, 196?, with a good turn out* The Board decided the 19oo National
Convention was to be held in Long Beach instead of San Francisco, since a suit¬
able hotel with reasonable rates could not bo had, Mr. D. Knauss, Executive
Secretary of the State Barbers Board, met with the C.M.T.A, Board to discuss
massage legislation and re-draft the Massage Bill. A Massage Licensing Beard
would be a separate Board under the Barbers Board, Reason^*.* no new Boaid
would, be formed and a new Board, must be placed under an existing Board* T..ie
Barbers Board was not interested to running the masseurs and would loan money
to start a License Board*

California decided to hold future State Conventions to February rather than
June, National President Fink suggested that there be a Western District
Conference: held yearly and California approved of this plan* $1,000*00 was
taken in through various fund raising projects during the year * After a horr¬
ific legislative battle, California p s Massage Bill got through all the commits
toes, the Assembly and the Senate. It reached the Governors desk, but was ap¬
parently left unsigned or pigeon-holed,

California Chapter met to Fresno for their State Convention on June 16th th the
18th, whore all State officers were re-elected. In addition to the several
lectures and. demonstrations, there was a First Aid lecture and film brought to
them by the Fresno Chapter of the American Red Cross* Attempts were made to
push California 0 s Massage Bill through the next session of the Legislature but
nothing came of it, and this was very disappointing and discouraging to the mem¬
bers * However, California was determined, to M keep on keeping on 5v until some¬
thing gives even to the face of almost insurmountable obstacles. Educational
Chairman Lloyd Allen reported that due to a new interpretation of the Califor¬
nia law, the use of any letters after ones name is now a felony rather than a
misdemeanor*

Colox'ado Chapter was working toward the goal of a state school of massage and
a massage bill. In a two day meeting held in Denver, all officers were re-elec¬
ted*

Florida had their Second Annual Convention and their President, Paul Sittler,
who is also 1st Vice-president of the National, was busy getting his chapter°s
business set into order, because an even greater challenge began to loom ahead,
that of the National Presidency* Virginia George was taking part to the Florida
affairs after moving from Massachusetts to Florida, Officers remained the same*

Georgia Chapter officers for 19&7 were; Jane C. Felts, President, Josephine B,
Dinkier, Vice-president and. Lillian Derry, Secretary-treasurer. Again there
was a CB 3 to l" 1 family who were members of the A,M*T*A„, Paul, Lucille and Wil*.
liam McAllisters of Maoon, Georgia who worked for the Y.M.C.A,

- 56 -

Idaho officers were? Frank L. Harrold, President, Sarah I. Lee, Vice-president
and Margaret J. White, Secretary-treasurer,

Illinois State officers were re-elected and they had plans for several teach¬
ing sessions with Dr. Young of Missouri and also organizing a down state Unit,

Indiana Chapter elected a new Vice-president, Ethel L. Kirkpatrick, All other
officers remained the same,

Iowa Chapter officers were re-elected.

Kansas Chapter dropped to three members which was not a quorum, so they could
not hold meetings,

Massachusetts Chapter on its tenth anniversary elected its organizer and first
President, Ann B. White, back into presidency. Other officers were Aldino 2.
Capodilupa, 1st Vice-president, Cristine E, Loete, 2nd Vice-president, Linnoa
E. Jacobson, 3rd Vice-president, Thelma Kinsman, Secretary-treasurer.and Ihify
W, Bnrda Corresponding Secretary.

Michigan Chapter officers were; Adam D. Hoffman, President, Bernard L.> Matz,
Vice-president, Irene E. Gauthier, Secretary-treasurer, Shirley M, Steel Rec¬
ording Secretary and George Sharpp, ^haplin, This chapter saw great strides
in thoir legislative program and they conducted a vigorous investigation of a
broader insurance program. They were working on a state member directory,

Missouri Chapter was to hold a first state meeting in St. Louis. A post grad¬
uate study group with Dr, Young, it was hoped, would help build a fund for
thoir legislative program. Their state officers were; Irvin Burns, President,
Nelson G, Morgan, ^ice-president, Olive Bruce, Secretary-treasurer and Cordelia
Hardy, Chaplin,

Montana Chapter with all new officers who were; Carl Saunders, President, Eliz¬
abeth G, Banderob, Vi O0 wpresident, Lillian B. Linse, Secretary and Glenn R, Car*
rington, Treasurer. Montana was successful in getting a massage law passed wit
an overwhelming majority vote in favor of the bill* They had not intended c ,v
enter a bill this year, for they were discouraged by their many failures, but
on the advice of their attorney, they entered the bill at the last minute,
Montana’s efforts and victory should be an inspiration to all of us.

National Capital Area was busy working on a massage law for Maryland. ALL of¬
ficers wore re-eleotod,

Nebraska Massage Association graciously offered to host the first Mid-western
Conference to be held in their state. Delegates gathered on April 29th and 30t:
at the Castle Hotel in Omaha. The program was well organized and wonderfully
constructive in spite of the little time they had to prepare for it. Judging
by the favorable remarks made by members who attended, there was an aura of
warm fellowship there. Nebraska State Officers must have been doing a wonder¬
ful job for they were again kept in office.

North Dakota Chapter officers were held over with the exception of Secretary,,
which was filled by Vlast G, Vejtasa and Carrie Arneson Treasurer, Elwood
Anderson, 3rd Vice-president of the National and a member of the North Dakota
Chapter,.net with the South Dakota members on June 25, 196? to help re-organ¬
ize their state chapter.

- 57 -

South Dakota Chapter officers were; President Vernon Jeffries, Vice-president
Floyd Hauk and. Secretary-treasurer Florence Waltner.

Oregon State Chaptor gained now members and lost none in 196?* Their now off¬
icers wore; President William L, Batos, Vice-prosident Carrol C, Quimby and
S ecrotary-tr oa surer Edna Rue* During the year Edna Rug contacted overy licensed
masseur in Oregon, with an invitation to join the Association*

Pennsylvania c haptor, the 55 Key stone State 511 and home of the Liberty Bell was
host to the Twenty Second Annual National Convention. Delegates gathered Aug¬
ust 2nd through the 6th, 196?, in the Bon Frankie Hotel in Philadelphia* The
convention started off with a States Officers Breakfast where forty gathered
to discuss some of tho problems of their own states which were of interest to
other states. The first day was devoted to workshop and demonstrations to
about ninety members and guests who were eager to give and receive new^ iaeas »

A showing of the massage film prepared by Illinois member Arthur U, HiivaXa
was well received. It was decided that applications for membership wore to be
accompanied by not only a picture of tho applicant, but also a photostatic copy
of tho diploma indicating training or letter providing experience and two loi¬
ters of character reference. Student memberships were to be limited to two
years* Memberships were also to be maintained in the or in in a 1 chapter in wh.t-.cn
the member joined unless member requests transfer to another chaptor in writjug*.
No practicing Chiropractic Physician working under a license in any given state
would be elegible for membership in tho A,M,T*A, Should, he be .Living in a
state that does not license him as a D,C, and he qualifies in training in mas-
sag© according to present A,M 0 T*A. standards, ho may apply for memborshxp. A
member is to have one voice in voting on a National level, but he may hold mem¬
bership in as many chapters as ho desires, providing the full annual dues are
paid in each state. State h 0C retarios were to send in quarterly reports to tho
National Secretary so that all of those could be incorporated in her report
later in the month. This was a revival of a similar method used in 195^ to
keep contact with state chapters and members. Profits from the National Con¬
ventions wore divided equally between the host state and the national treasur¬
ies., This fund to bo used for promotion of our educational features In National
Convention,

Fun time at the National Convention in Philadelphia was spent in a three hour
ride on a chartered 55 Showboat 55 up the river, a tour of this old historic city,
including Independance Hall and tho Liberty Bell, The Betsy Ross House, Christ
Church where many Americans, including George Washington and his family, wor-
shipped and Ben Franklin e s Grave, All of these memories will be long remembered
Another first this year was the election of the same National Officers who were
chosen to serve a third term.

Delegates had the pleasure of meeting Attorney Kirkpatrick W. Dilling for the
first time since he had become the A,M,T C A, Counsellor, He spoke to tho group
on the type of work involved in our profession from a legal standpoint. He said
that a very co-ordinated and dedicated, effort would be required to protect tho
people in our profession. He reminded members that a few could do much, using
as his example a little group of eleven ordinary people whose activity resulted
in the spread of Christianity throughout the world. He also stated that, in
his opinion the difference between the physical therapist and the massage ther¬
apist is a clear cut' one - the former is in the disease business and the latter
is in the health business. This makes them separate professions.

The Pennsylvania Chapter made $800,00 on the convention. Now. state officers for

— 58 —

tho year wore Edgar Hollingar, President, Inez V, Ahlquist,lst Vice-president,
Mary 83 , Campbell, 2nd Vice-president, Stewart E. Miller, 3rd Vice-president,
Marvin Herb, Secretary-treasurer, John Hiestand, Recording Secretary and Leslie
B* Hock, Chaplin,

Tennessee Chapter now numbering eight wore very active, James Bowling, their
President, got around to several of tho surrounding states for meetings. All
of their officers were re-elected,

Texas Chapter with the same officers serving again this year was faced with
important decisions as to establishing a massage training center. Local regul¬
ations in Houston, had dashed the hopes of the BoPalma School eventually serv¬
ing this purpose, Texas had a fine gain in membership making a total of forty-
five.

Utah Chapter officers were all re-elected and stated that they were growing and
going forward in theA.M,T*A,

Washington Chapter made a change in their meeting place and delegates met at
the mountain cabin of Joss and Ruth Williams in Winthrop on June 4th, 196? *
Montana members, Howard and Billie Riddle, wore guests and a fine program was
enjoyed with lots of food and fun and fresh air. State officers elected were;
President Jess C, Williams, Vice-president Mae Backus and Secretary-troasuror
Don Mumford, The State Legislative Committee was keeping an ever watchful eye
peeled for unfavorable legislation. Conditions in the King County area surrounc
ing Seattle, indicated the strong need for a state massage law. However, since
this seemed to be an impossibility, approach had to bo made on a county level*
County Commissioners were approached and work was begun on a County Ordinance^

Wisconsin officers remained the same with the exception of Vice-president and
Roy LeRoy was olected to tho office, Wisconsin Chapter was holding two meeting':
yearly, and although the legislative prospects were out of the question, members
were happy with their working conditions* It looked as though Minnesota law
might come in for some encouraging revisions. Plans were going forward for
the upcoming Mid-western Conference in Milwaukee on April 27th and 28th, 1968,

1968

As this report on tho history of the A,M,T,A, draws to a close there is very
little that we can report on the activities of the various chapters during this
year, except that the Washington Legislative Committee was successful in getting
the ordinance passed in King County requiring a license for massage therapists
and forbidding attendants of sauna houses to attend the opposite sox.

There were some very interesting things in the air for 1968, Nebraska was plan*
ning a Spring state meeting after the Mid-western Conference. South Dakota
only seven months old and with nine members were planning to incorporate shortly ?
Massachusetts expected to send at least two members to the California National
Convention, The National Capital Area expressed a wish to host a regional moet^
ing in 19o9, They also had their Second Annual Dinner meeting on February 25,
1968, Florida Chapter was making fine progress in their program planning for
the 1969 National Convention to b© held in their state, Washington Chapter
met again in Moses Lake and officers chosen wore; President Don Mumford, Vice-
president Pearl Hoppe and Secretary-treasurer Mae Backus,

Elwood Anderson has finished the drafting of a uniform state constitution And
by-laws and I HAVE FINISHED THIS REPORT,

- 59 -

Arizona Chapter Officers elected in 1968 were: 0. Eugene Wahlberg,
President; Harold G. Swanstrom, 1st Vice-President; Roy L. Bulman,

2nd Vice-President and Pauline M, Chamberlain, Secretary-Treasurer,
Gene Ulahlberg, along with David S. Carlson and Ina Bell Campbell
had their heads together in plans for a Western Regional Conference
some time in early 1969,

California Chapter held two State meetings this year, and was host
to a National Convention, Their officers elected were: Lloyd J,
Walker, President; J. L, Hatch, Vice President; Anna Hoopes, Exec,
Secretary and Susie L, Dalton, Treasurer. Due to opposition in
legislature, this Chapter was unable to realize its aim to get pas¬
sage of a Massage Bill, They were laboring under a severe financial
handicap, but they still kept pressing onward. New Chapter members,
under the guidance of Anna Hoopes, were busy during the early months
of 1968 getting ready for the national convention, which was held in
Sacramento, August 7th to 11th at the Senator Hotel. Viola Kinkier,
Convention Co-Chairman, did an admirable job as M, C. and general
tun-a-rounder, attending to the millions of errands connected with
the management of such a convention.

At this meeting, Elwood A. Anderson, North Dakota, reported that all
of his assignments were completed and that three states enacted
massage laws in 1967 - Minnesota, Montana and New York.

Irene Gauthier, Michigan, reported that up to this time, only forty-
five members had availed themselves of the liability program and
that we stood the chance of losing the program unless more members
participated,

Robert Taylor, Toronto, Canada, was introduced and he expressed a
hope for joint activity between his group and ours, Ruth E. Williams,
Washington, told of the research now completed to bring this history
up to date, and spoke of the co-operation of Milton A, Neidfelt in
placing his records at her disposal. The University of Washington
requested that many items of this history of the AMTA be placced in
their archives.

A Memorial Tribute was conducted by Irene Jordan, California, for
the following deceased AMTA members: Catherine Hellinger, Pa.;

Aldina Capodilupo, Massachusetts; Maty Konkel, Michigan; Harry
Goodman, Texas; Gale Biersdorf, Arizona; Richard Frysinger, Illinois;
Frank Shipp, Pa.; Genevieve Bunch, Oregon and Nettie Bunker, Michigan,

President Thomas R. Fink gave a very stirring and timely message on
the progress of the AMTA and some final advice: M Go calmly amid the
noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence
and if you fail, try again, so that both your today and tomorrows
will be filled with blessings". His message was followed by his
presentation of a personal gift to the AMTA members in the form of a
beautiful engraved bronze bell for sounding the gavel and expressed
the hope that it would long ring in the "liberty for All" symbolized
by another bell in his home town, Philadelphia Pennsylvania.

60

Amendments passed at this convention were: (l) Profits of the Na¬
tional Convention are to be divided between the Host State and the
National Convention Fund. (2) The State Secretary-Treasurer shall
send quarterly reports to the National Secretary-Treasurer and to
their District Directors to keep them informed of activities, (3)
District Directors may be recommended at District Conferences, for
nomination to the national nominating committee by the district they
serve, (4) State Chapters may recommend a certain member who has
performed meritorious service in behalf of the AMTA to the national
convention for a National Service Award Plaque, Final choice is
to be made by an appointed service award committee, (5) That a
complete list of State Officers be printed in the August issue of
the Massage Journal, (6) That a Western District conference be
held annually, (7) That a National Finance Chairman be appointed
by the President, subject to the Board of Director approval, to
initiate and co-ordinate all fund raising activities, and to serve
in an advisory capacity to State Chapter finance Committees.

The Nominating Committee appointed was: Ida Thorson, Rhode Island,
Chairman, Jimmy Jenkins, Tennessee, Mabel Huggins, Wisconsin, Don
Hudson, Iouua, Margaret White, Idaho, Ruth Williams, Washington, and
J. Lew Hatch, California, For a list of national officers elected,
see appendix in back of book,

California made arrangements to repay their loan to the National
Treasurer at the rate of Fifty Dollars ($50,00) per month,

Colorado Chapter expects to establish a massage training center and
to obtain legislation. They were meeting obstacles but members were
still trying. Their officers were: Melvin J. Detton, President,

James 5, Fish, Vice President and Ina B. Campbell, Sec 1 y-Treasurer.

Florida Chapter was well into plans for 1969 national convention under
the chairmanship of Virginia George, They had a fine year in which
there was educational activity and every meeting had special speakers.
Their officers were: Rolland H, Hopp, President, Cecil W. George,
lot Vios-^resident, Virginia C, George, 2nd Vice-President, Anthony D.
Rosetti, 3rd Vice-President and William C, Qutten, Sec'y-Treasurer.
Their Directors were: David Sacks, Harry Epstein .and Paul A, Sittler.
Florida had an official "house cleaning" and dropped some delinquent
members and expelled two others - a hard job to do, but necessary
sometimes.

Georgia Chapter officers p cr 1968 were: Clarence W. Jones, President
and Jane C. Felts, Sec'y-Traasurer,

Idaho, with the same roster of officers met four times a year and
members shared their knowledge with one another along with the dream
of a massage bill passage. Their group was saddened by the death of
husbands of Carrie Bell Rose and Lillian Johnson,

Illinois Chapter officers elected were: Emil J. Ruff, President,
Michael Thomas, Vice-IP resident, Beatrice T, Huff, Secretary and
Lucille M, Kolk, Treasurer.

61

Indiana Chapter members kept in touch with three annual meetings
at which there was an average of thirty-five in attendance. Ail
officers re-elected were: Elwin L, Graham, President; Ethel L,
Kirkpatrick, Vice President; Darlene M, Frey, Secretary-Treasurer
and their Directors as follows: Mildred R, Shaffer, William L.

McLain, William E, DeVinney and Marie L. Gates.

Iowa Chapter, although small, was faithful and kept a constant
vigilance for opposing legislature. All officers were re-elected:

Arles G. Bahl, President; James A. Cunningham, Vice President and
Eloy Brownlie, Secretary-Treasurer.

Kansas Chapter was re-organized in Wichita through the neighborly
efforts of Mildred Konsella, Broken Bow, Nebraska. Officers
elected were: G. C* Lamb, President, Fidelis J* Schmidt, Vice-
President, Helen M. Kasper, Secretary-Treasurer. They had fourteen
members and three student members,

Massachusetts Chapter officers were: Ann B. White, President;

Henry A, LaFleur, 1st Vice-President; Christine E, Leete, 2nd Vice-
President; Linnea E* Jacobson, 3rd Vice-President; Thelma G, Kinsman,
Secretary-Treasurer and Emily W. Burda, Corresponding Secretary.

Henry A, LaFleur has opened a School of Massage in connection with
the Bancroft Health Club in Worcester, Members attending expressed
the feeling that all members should attend at least a few meetings
to retain their membership in the AMTA,

Michigan Chapter officers were Irene E, Gauthier, President;

Patrick J. 0 f Connell, Vice-President, Adam D. Hoffman, Secretary-
Treasurer, Patrick J, O'Connell, Recording Secretary, George F, Sharp,
Chaplain and Directors: Reva L. Confer, Francis J. Diegel, David
Kennedy, and Mary Lou Sherman. Enthusiasm is high in their state and
members are not defeated by the failure of their Massage Bill, as they
had very near success arid high hopes for the next time. They have only
spent about $300.00 per year in legislative expense. Plans were pro¬
gressing for hosting the April, 1969 Mid-West Conference. The Meri¬
torious Service Award was presented to Irene E. Gauthier at the
Convention Banquet in Sacramento. Mary Lou Sherman was the first to
receive the similar honor in 1967 in Philadelphia.

Missouri Chapter officers were all re-elected as follows: Irvin B,
Burns, President; Nelson G, Morgan, Vice-President; Clive L. Bruce,
Secretary-Treasurer and Codella C. Hardy, Chaplain.

Montana Chapter re-elected all officers: Carl W. Saunders, President;
Elizabeth G. Banderob, Vice-President; Lillian B. Linse, Secretary
and Glenn R, Carrington, Treasurer. They held a post-graduate Class
conducted by Dr. Eugene Young, of Kansas City, Missouri, with twenty-
five in attendance. This Chapter now boasts over forty members.

National Capitol Area has a roster of new officers: C. Macaulay
Ward, President; Ethel M, Reynolds, Vice-President; Eli G. Jordan,
Secretary and Jennie E. Albana, Treasurer. This Chapter is one of
the few that is not working on legislation for the present.

- 62

Nebraska Massage Association elected new officers in 1968, and they
were; Carol C, Chittenden, President, Russel L. Wright, 1st Vice-
President, Olive H. Bausch, 2nd Vice-President, Josephine A, Brandes,
Sec*y-Treesurer, and the following Directors: Lewis B, Wentz, Lyle A
Strunk, Goral dine Kennedy and Mildred Konsella. Their meetings are
well planned and they had a 90$ attendance in two State Conventions.
They had several out of state visitors at their meetings, proving
they are indeed the "friendly People". Ciadys Hladik, a long time
member was given honorary membership and Leora John, another early
days member, was re-instated* Nebraska enjoyed 100$ paid up mem¬
bership.

North Dakota Massage Therapy, Inc, gaired two members and since their
state massage law requirE^d convention attendance, they hold one
three day annual meeting in April, Cecil and Virginia George of
the Florida Chapter presented an informative program. The new
officers elected were: B. Cerr in® Lore, President, Lyle J, lundo,

1st Vi rb-P resident, Albert E, Dahl gran, 2nd Vice-President, Vlast S.
Vejtaso, Secretary and Carrie Arne sen, Treasurer.

Oregon Chapter held over their officers for another year. These
members are all pulling together and plans were under way for the
National Convention in their state in 1971 and the Western Con¬
ference in April 1969. Oregon Chapter is proud of their AMTA
Queen, lydio 5, Norris, who was 96 years old on August 1, 1968.

"Dream planning" for a good sound massage school is on the agenda,

Pennsylvania Chapter held their 10th annual massage clinic this
year and a complete new roster cf officers were elected: Marvin E.
Herb, President, Alvin L. Thornes, 1st Vice-President and duel Ja^is
Reilly, Secretary-Treasurer,

Rhode Island Chapter, with President James M. Forrest and Secretary-
Treasurer Ida N. Thorson still acting as officers, were a very close
knit group with Massachusetts, with whom they met frequently.

South Dakota Chapter had By-Laws and signed articles prepared for
incorporation. They gained two members and lost none* They held
two meetings a year p nr two day sessions in workshop, etc. All
officers were held over as follows: Vernon R. Jeffries, President,
Floyd A, Hack, Vice-President and Florence M. Waltner, Secretary-
Treasurer. Plans are in the air to host a mid West Conference,

Tennessee Chapter officers for 1968 were Virginia L, Daniel, Presi¬
dent, Robert W, Luttrell, Vice-President and Jimmy L. Jenkins,
Secretary-Treasurer• Although we don*t hear much from this chapter
as a whole, there are seme, mighty "on fire" members there, and some
good things are coming out of that state. James Bowling leaped feet
first into his duties as National Educational Director, laying plans
for an Educational fund to further the work, from his office, such as
approving schools, giving RIY1T exams and research,

Texas has a State Chartered Massage Training School in Marlin ready
to open January, 1969; a fine achievement, This young state now

63 -